In a rare and candid interview, former One Direction star Zayn Malik has opened up about his stringent approach to parenting his five-year-old daughter, Khai, whom he shares with supermodel ex-partner Gigi Hadid. The singer, who is currently single, disclosed that he has a firm rule regarding introducing romantic partners to his young child.
No Girlfriends for Khai Unless It's Serious
Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast with host Alex Cooper, Zayn Malik elaborated on his cautious stance towards dating as a father. He expressed that he would only consider introducing a girlfriend to Khai if the relationship was profoundly serious, potentially leading to marriage. "I think I would have to be really serious about that woman, and maybe plan on marrying her before she'd be introduced to my daughter," Zayn stated, highlighting his protective instincts.
He admitted that it would "kind of suck" to bring someone into his daughter's life only for the romance to fizzle out, causing emotional turmoil. "I feel like it's a lot of pressure, call me old school but, I wouldn't ever want to put that pressure on someone else either," he added, contemplating the potential fallout of a breakup on Khai's well-being.
Overcompensating as a Father
Beyond his dating rules, Zayn Malik offered a rare glimpse into his fatherhood journey, confessing that he sometimes overcompensates with Khai. A striking example was when he gave her £500 after she lost her first tooth, a gesture that sparked disagreement with Gigi Hadid. "It's her first tooth and her mum gave me s*** about it but at the end of the day I work my a*** off and I should be able to give my kid what I want to give her," he defended, emphasizing his hard-earned success.
He acknowledged that Khai's upbringing is unique due to her parents' high-profile careers, which influences his parenting decisions. "I'm raising her in an environment that isn't the same as everybody's, her dad is a pop star and her mum is a model and certain things that she does in life might not reflect what other people's understanding of reality is," Zayn explained, justifying his lavish gift.
Khai's Aspirations and Future Support
When discussing Khai's dreams, Zayn revealed that she aspires to be a K-pop star, despite his initial reservations. "She definitely wants to be a K-pop star, she's big into K-pop. I'd like to keep her away from it but at the end of the day if she's happy, I'll support her," he said, showcasing his commitment to her happiness above all else.
Overall, Zayn Malik's interview sheds light on his thoughtful and protective parenting style, balancing strict rules with heartfelt gestures as he navigates fatherhood in the public eye.
